[By Janaka Alahapperuma]

The visiting princesses of Japan and Thailand viewed the final Randoli Perahara of the historic Kandy Esala Perahera after paying obeisance to Sri Dalada Maligawa (Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic) in Kandy Tuesday night (20 August) on Nikini Full Moon Poya Day. Her Imperial Highness Princess Tsuguko of Takamado, the eldest daughter of Prince Takamado of the Japanese Royal Family and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand Royal Family are on four day official visits to Sri Lanka joined with Sri Lanka First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa and paid their homage to the Sri Dalada Perahera too. The final Randoli Perahera Festival which showcases the pride of Sri Lanka’s culture to the world paraded the streets commencing from the Sri Dalada Maligawa at the auspicious time of 7.51 pm and finally reached the Dalada Maligawa via Raja Veediya. Meanwhile President Rajapaksa was seen near the President’s House viewing the Perahera joining with the Governor of the Central Province Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunga, Chief-of-Staff to the President Gamini Senerath, Kandy Mayour Mahendra Ratwatte, local politicians and their family members. The Ambassador of Royal Thai Embassy in Sri Lanka, Mr. Poldej Worachat and Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka Mr. Nobuhito Hobo and their delegations were also present.

The Japanese Princess paid obeisance to the Sacred Tooth Relics at the Sri Dalada Maligawa earlier in the day. The Japanese Princess who arrived at the Maligawa along with President Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa was warmly received by the Chief Custodian of the Temple (Diyawadana Nilame) Pradeep Nilanga Dela and joined in offering flowers at the Maligawa. Princess Suguko called on the Malwatte and Asgiriya Mahanayakes and secured their blessings too. The Japanese Princess called on the Asgiriya Mahanayake, the Most Ven. Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Nayaka Thera at the Mangala Uposhithagaraya of the Asgiriya Maha Vihare. Thereafter the Japanese Princess visited the Malwatte Viharaya and called on the Malwatte Mahanayake the Most Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera and secured his blessings. Expressing views on this occasion Princess Suguko said that her Sri Lankan visit is significant and it will lead to further solidifying many centuries old bilateral ties between the two countries. The Thai Princess who also arrived at the Dalada Maligawa paid homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic. The President, the First Lady and the Diyawadana Nilame were among those present. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s visit comes at a historic time when the two countries are celebrating the 260th anniversary of the establishment of the Siam Maha Nikaya in Sri Lanka. However the two Princesses are visiting various parts of the country and are participating in many religious observances.

Large crowds have descended on the Kandy City to view the Final Randoli Perahera. All facilities have been extended to the viewers. More than 3000 members of the Police and the Army have been deployed to consolidate the security of the crowds. With the completion of the final Randoli Perahera, the water cutting festival will be held at the Mahaweli river near Getambe in the following day morning. It will be followed by the Day Perahera.

Pix by: Sudath Silva & Lalith Welivitigoda